SERVICES

CENTER FOR WOUND HEALING AND HYPERBARIC MEDICINE

If you have or are caring for someone who has a non-healing wound, the Center for Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine can help. Care does require a physician referral.

There are many different types of wounds. Some are associated with complications from diabetes and other related vascular disorders. Other types include pressure ulcers and traumatic wounds. You may be a candidate for wound care treatment if you have a wound that has not started to heal in two weeks, or is not completely healed in six weeks.

We offer a comprehensive outpatient program to help your chronic or complicated wound heal faster, allowing you to return to normal activities sooner. Our professional staff is trained and focused on providing a specialized course of therapy to assist with healing problem wounds.

We are conveniently located in the hospital. Our hours of operation are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Many Types of Wounds Treated

Some of the most common types of wounds we treat include:

Pressure ulcers

Diabetic and other non-healing wounds

Wounds caused by poor circulation

Wounds caused by trauma

Burns

Surgical wounds

After radiation care

It can be very frustrating and time consuming to heal these wounds. We use the latest treatment methods for wound healing and remain current in new scientific advances.

A Team Approach to Wound Care

The Center for Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine is designed to complement care by your physician and is committed to the treatment of difficult, chronic wounds. The staff is comprised of a team of caring professionals which include physicians with advanced training in wound management, a nursing staff trained in the care of chronic wounds, as well as technicians and front office staff who handle appointment scheduling and health insurance processing.

What to Expect When You Visit the Center for Wound Healing

You will meet with a clinical staff member for consultation, including a physical examination and medical history evaluation. This diagnostic examination will help identify the type of wound you have along with the underlying problems causing the wound. After the diagnostic exam, our care team will establish a treatment plan with you and will provide progress reports to your primary care doctor.

Your treatment may include:

Vascular evaluation

Laboratory evaluation

Debridement

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy

Compression therapy for venous stasis ulcers and lymphedema

Debridement
Debridement is when unhealthy or dead tissue around the wound area is removed. This is a weekly procedure completed by a wound care physician and only takes a few minutes.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is used in conjunction with other treatments for certain types of wounds. During the hyperbaric treatment, patients lie in a comfortable see-through chamber. During this time, you will have complete voice contact with the staff, you can watch TV or just relax. While in the chamber, you will breathe 100% oxygen, enabling your blood to carry 15 to 20 times the normal amount of oxygen. The high concentration of oxygen allows your body to function more efficiently and start healing the wound as well as prevent further types of infection. The time for treatment is about two hours on a daily basis depending on the wound type. You are the most important part of your healing process. Keeping appointments and following directions clearly are critical to attaining a positive healing outcome.

When you arrive for hyperbaric oxygen therapy, you will first change into hospital attire and remove any items such as jewelry and hearing aids. The staff will let you know of any other prohibited items in the chamber.

Conditions Treated with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy:

Problem wounds

Crush injuries

Gas gangrene

Necrotizing soft tissue infections

Osteomyelitis

Radiation tissue damage

Skin grafts and flaps

Diabetic wounds of the lower extremities

Insurance

Most insurance plans will cover the cost of your wound care treatment when prescribed by a physician. Please check with your insurance plan about your specific coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make my own appointment?
Care requires referral from your primary care physician or a physician specialist. Speak first with your physician. You can learn more about our program by calling (423) 784-1300.

Does insurance cover the visits and procedures at the Wound Care Center?
Many insurance plans do cover wound care treatments. Our staff will be willing to help you check on your specific coverage. Please call us at (423) 784-1300.

What can I expect during my first appointment?
You will meet with a member of the clinical staff for a consultation, including a physical examination and medical history evaluation. Based on this initial visit, our care team will establish a treatment plan.